The Broads are Britain's largest nationally protected wetland. It is also one of the Europe's most popular inland waterways

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Where are Norfolk broads? What are they like? What plants and animals are to be found? How were they formed?

The region known as the broads lies in the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk in the east of England. The broads extend over the lower valleys of the rivers Waveney, Yare and Bure, together with the tributaries of the Bure - the Ant and the Thurne and with the tributaries of the river Yare, which is the river Chet. The Norfolk Broads are the northern part of The Broads National Park. The southern part of the national park lies within the Suffolk broads. Therefore, the broads are collectively referred to as the Norfolk and the Suffolk Broads, but many people call the entire system the Norfolk Broads. Here is a map to refer to-

The Broads are Britain's largest nationally protected wetland. It is also one of the Europe's most popular inland waterways. Popular for its blend of wildlife and distinctive landscapes, it is a unique area made up by its rivers, broads, marshes and fens. It is also rich in rare habitats, which support myriad plants, and animals. The Broads' distinctive flat landscape is inimitable. Artists and photographers have long been inspired by play of light on open water and the vast skies. Many of the scenes recorded by painter in the 19th century remains essentially unaltered till today such as the windpumps, church towers, areas of carr woodland and the white sails of boats on the rivers are still striking vertical. The important part of the Broads heritage is the built environment. Buildings in the broads like the natural environment reflect the changing pattern of living and working down the centuries. On the riverside, there are characteristics timber-framed cahlets.

Globally, wetlands are among the most threatened of landscapes and therefore the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Authority was set up in 1988 and began operating in 1989. The responsibility of the Broads Authority is to safeguard and enhance the natural beauty of the Broads. For example, the number of boats on the Broads has created problems in the fragile Broads environment. The river banks have been damaged by boat washed which is further more worsened by the polluted and cloudy water. The silt, which has been washed away from the banks, gathers at the bottom of the waterways, increasing the need for dredging if the rivers and broads are to remain navigable.

The Broads is a fascinating and diverse area with unique wildlife. The Norfolk broads are internationally legendary for their flora and fauna. The Broads is home to species that are fast disappearing. The Norfolk broads is a paradise for wildlife, hosting one of the UK's largest tern colonies as well as rare species such as the Swallowtail butterfly and the Norfolk hawker dragonfly, which are distinctive to this part of the country. A kingfisher is just one example of bird life found on the Broads together with other animals such as the Berwick Swan, Heron, Bittern grass snake and Marsh harrier. The main habitats are rivers and broads; fens and carr woodland; drained marshlands and estuary. At the heart of the food web are the plants.

Water plants play a vital role in this freshwater system of rivers and shallow lakes. The fens alone have 250 plant species, from the nationally protected fen orchid, to more rich species such as ragged robin. The swallowtail butterfly, which is restricted to East Anglia, can also be seen in the fens. The Broads are popular for many species of ducks and water birds. Teal and widgeon over winter on the open broads; Reed and sedge warblers live in reedbeds together with the rarer Cetti's warbler.

Broads' story began in the Middle Ages. By the 12th century, much of the east Norfolk has been cleared of its woodland for fuel and building materials, and over the following 350 years peat digging was a major industry. Peat digging was carried out on a massive scale with almost every settlement in the area for extracting peat as its principal source of fuel. Past records show that the pits gradually began to fill with water, making the turves of peat more difficult to extract. Peat diggings were abandoned by the 14th century, they flooded and this partly man-made landscape became a wetland rich in wildlife.

Why are tourists attracted to this region? How important is Tourism to the economy of this region?

A special place-Norfolk broad attracts over a million people each year with its rich wild life and unique landscapes. There are many different ways to enjoy the area, from sailing and boating to canoeing, from fishing and bird watch to walking. The pleasure of winding waterways, old villages, wind pumps and grazing marshes can be enjoyed in many kinds of outdoor pursuit. A man-made landscape to start with broads is marked by its link with humanity which has provided a foundation of nourishment and fascination for centuries. The wetland of Broads is probably best explored and appreciated afloat. Boats are an essential aspect of the Broads, which is one of the most extensive and varied inland waterways in the country and one of the most popular in Europe. Since the turn of the century, the Broads has been important for sailing and other types of boating. There are 200km of safe, navigable waterways with over 60 boatyards offering sailing or cruising holidays. The Broads have an exceptional range of riverside pubs and hotels, thatched cottages and farmhouse, waterside apartments and campsites, which provide a quality accommodation.
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The impact of tourism in Broads has been highly significant. A visitor survey carried out in 2000 shows the top five-day trippers in which 41% come to visit a specific attraction in Broads, 22% come because there are wide ranges of things to do in the Broads, 13% come because they had enjoyed the previous visit and 10% people come for a day trip to see the scenery/landscapes/walking.

The survey also shows the percentage of people who come for long stay rather then a day trip. The table shows that 17% of people come to see ...

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